New York Man's Death From Police Chokehold Ruled Homicide

2 years ago

(New York, NY) -- A New York man's death is being ruled a homicide after he was placed in a chokehold by an NYPD officer. A medical examiner said today that Eric Garner died of compression to the neck and chest. Contributing factors were chronic bronchial asthma, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Police confronted the 43-year-old father of six in July for allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes on Staten Island. The Reverend Al Sharpton is among those calling for federal prosecution. NYPD officers have been barred from using chokeholds on suspects for years.

Video of the July 17th incident shows police putting Garner in a chokehold followed by him saying "I can't breathe." Garner's death has sparked outrage throughout the city and led to a roundtable discussion yesterday with the Reverend Al Sharpton, Police Commissioner Bill Bratton and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on improving police and community relations. The main officers and EMTs involved in the incident have all been reassigned as the probe continues.